00:04Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool capable of sifting through millions or even billions of
00:08lines of data in a flash. Which is why biologists are now looking to utilize AI to analyze and
00:14sequence 1.8 billion lines of genetic code, creating what they are calling a family tree
00:19for nearly 10,000 plants. But why? Here's the project's senior research leader, Dr.
00:23Melanie Jane Howes, to explain. So by understanding accurately, as from this data set, how plants are
00:31related, this can enable us to understand how plants might have evolved and how they might have similar
00:40characteristics or properties that have enabled them, for example, to survive in their own
00:46environments. But also, again, to help us identify which traits are common to closely related species
00:57to help us with potentially finding solutions to many challenges that we have.
01:04Dr. Howes references the anti-cancer drug Paclitaxel specifically, which was created from Pacific
01:09ewe tree bark. When the drug was discovered, the tree was over harvested, meaning scientists
01:14were forced to find another closely related genus of tree that would also work. She adds
01:18the better understanding this plant tree of life could help further humanity's food security,
01:22as well as help scientists discover new drugs, combat climate change, and even aid in conservation
01:27efforts. The study will also be sequencing long extinct plants and investigating the evolutionary
01:32mystery around the rapid diversification of flowering plant species that took place around
01:37140 million years ago.
01:44Dr. Howes states said, Virginia, Aunque U for example, the
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